VistaJet is at the show with a strong presence aimed at bolstering Asian demand for its services.
The fast-growing on-demand/block charter operator has teamed with Bombardier to offer demonstration flights on two of its aircraft types, using a brand new Challenger 605 and a larger 850.
VistaJet, which has its head office in Salzburg, Austria and regional offices in cities including Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, has seen demand in the Asian region pick up substantially from April following a tough start to the year, says VistaJet founder, owner and chairman Thomas Flohr.
The company, whose principal rival NetJets does not have a presence in Asia, is on track to achieve 15% growth in the region for the full year.
"With the general economic climate picking up, especially in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, we are very happy to have the opportunity to show our aircraft," says Flohr.
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"The air show, from a timing point of view, fits us extremely well," he adds. "We always say that when we can get a customer to our aircraft to look at it, half the battle is won because people just love the luxury and the look and feel, and then we can continue with the commercial conversations.
"Since we have a global presence and a very strong Asian operation, [Bombardier] feels very comfortable using the VistaJet planes and we do it together," says Flohr.
One cloud on the horizon is the persistent problem of illegal "grey market" operators in the region, although Flohr says governments are beginning take action.
"This is some owner who gives his plane to some business friend and charges some kind of money for it which is obviously below market rate, but this is on a private aircraft operation basis so not under the rules of commercial aviation," says Flohr.
"We're working with the governments to shut this down, because commercial and public transportation is something that has to be taken extremely seriously and there are very clear rules in place for safety standards, back office and product quality.
"Only when there is a true commercial alternative such as VistaJet available can the governments say 'well let's shut down the grey market'."
Most countries are opening up to business aviation and removing red tape that has stifled its growth, although Flohr singles out India as a continuing problem.
"The country where we still have significant issues obtaining licences is India. It can take anywhere between three and five days. It it's quite difficult still, [even with] overflight permits," says Flohr.
Source: Flight Daily News
